7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
30th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
THANK YOU, DARLING!
As a member of the Nationwide, I'd like to thank the Chancellor for creating a potential future windfall for me by knocking down the Dunfermline Building Society to my society so cheaply having been freed of all toxic assets at public expense.
It may be unfortunate for members of the Dunfermline who will receive nothing and for those who lose jobs at the Dunfermline HQ. However, the latter should realise that they are being punished for their wilful election of a Liberal Democrat in exactly the same way that people in the Scottish Borders lost their railway following their election of David Steel in the 60's.
And this continued emasculation of the Scottish financial sector can only go to strengthen the Union by making Independence even less practical. A masterstroke from Mr Darling!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
26th of March 2009 - Alcohol
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
26th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
The Scottish Government's continuing campaign to cut our nation's alcohol consumption is to be applauded.
However, there is one simple step that could be taken which would undoubtedly help pub customers to realise how much they are consuming - that is the restoration of traditional measures for the dispense of spirits. With quarter gills, fifth gills and (mainly, it has to be said, in Aberdeen) sixth gills, people knew exactly what they were getting. It can be no co-incidence that the rise of problem drinking amongst both young and old in Scotland has entirely followed Metrication of pub measures.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
26th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
The Scottish Government's continuing campaign to cut our nation's alcohol consumption is to be applauded.
However, there is one simple step that could be taken which would undoubtedly help pub customers to realise how much they are consuming - that is the restoration of traditional measures for the dispense of spirits. With quarter gills, fifth gills and (mainly, it has to be said, in Aberdeen) sixth gills, people knew exactly what they were getting. It can be no co-incidence that the rise of problem drinking amongst both young and old in Scotland has entirely followed Metrication of pub measures.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Thursday, March 12, 2009
11th of March 2009 - Democracy Wall
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DEMOCRACY WALL
Holyrood's search for a single quotation for their Canongate wall is surely a little bit elitist.
Why not allocate a reasonably sized expanse of concrete free for anybody to spray or chalk what they will? This "Democracy Wall" could be resprayed once a week to facilitate new postings or simply left so that new postings naturally covered up previous postings over time.
Either way, it would demonstrate that our Scottish Parliament was at least as willing to tolerate criticism and debate as was the Chinese Government of the 70's.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DEMOCRACY WALL
Holyrood's search for a single quotation for their Canongate wall is surely a little bit elitist.
Why not allocate a reasonably sized expanse of concrete free for anybody to spray or chalk what they will? This "Democracy Wall" could be resprayed once a week to facilitate new postings or simply left so that new postings naturally covered up previous postings over time.
Either way, it would demonstrate that our Scottish Parliament was at least as willing to tolerate criticism and debate as was the Chinese Government of the 70's.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
9th of March 2009 - National Speed Limit
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
9th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It seems that the Government is considering lowering the national road speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph. This is long overdue but it clearly does not go far enough.
Due to their management of our economy, adequate cheap labour will soon be available in order to ensure that every vehicle is preceded by a person carrying a red flag. The resultant speed reduction to walking pace would be a major contribution to road safety and were it to save even one child, it would be worth it.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
9th of March 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It seems that the Government is considering lowering the national road speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph. This is long overdue but it clearly does not go far enough.
Due to their management of our economy, adequate cheap labour will soon be available in order to ensure that every vehicle is preceded by a person carrying a red flag. The resultant speed reduction to walking pace would be a major contribution to road safety and were it to save even one child, it would be worth it.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
24th of February 2009 - Michael Barrymore
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
24th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Essex Police's apology to Terry Lubbock, the father of the man found dead near entertainer Michael Barrymore's pool, is to be applauded.
But should they not also be apologising to Mr Barrymore? Their bungled investigation almost certainly means that he will never have a chance to prove in a criminal court his innocence of any wrong doing and the resultant pointing fingers will continue to damage his reputation and career until the end of his days.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
24th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Essex Police's apology to Terry Lubbock, the father of the man found dead near entertainer Michael Barrymore's pool, is to be applauded.
But should they not also be apologising to Mr Barrymore? Their bungled investigation almost certainly means that he will never have a chance to prove in a criminal court his innocence of any wrong doing and the resultant pointing fingers will continue to damage his reputation and career until the end of his days.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
21st of February 2009 - Tram Opportunity
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The disagreement between TIE, the Edinburgh tram company, and their erstwhile contractors could offer a major new opportunity for employment in Scotland.
With the increasing number of unemployed, many from our rapidly contracting financial sector, what better time to return to traditional pick and shovel methods for building the tramway?
On minimum wage (or, cheaper still, on Job Creation Schemes paying the same as the dole) a new generation of navvies should easily be able to complete the undertaking within a reasonable period.
And, by removing the need for environmentally polluting earth moving machinery, it would make the whole project even more Green!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The disagreement between TIE, the Edinburgh tram company, and their erstwhile contractors could offer a major new opportunity for employment in Scotland.
With the increasing number of unemployed, many from our rapidly contracting financial sector, what better time to return to traditional pick and shovel methods for building the tramway?
On minimum wage (or, cheaper still, on Job Creation Schemes paying the same as the dole) a new generation of navvies should easily be able to complete the undertaking within a reasonable period.
And, by removing the need for environmentally polluting earth moving machinery, it would make the whole project even more Green!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
19th of February 2009 - Cab Array
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CAB ARRAY
I am sorry to hear that taxi driver A Bain (Letters - 18th Feb) is, like most business people, suffering from a downturn in trade.
Nevertheless, his attack on the "illegal" private hire trade is a bit self serving and I'll warrant that his demand that "we need a new form of "taxi police" on the streets to make sure the public are safe" is more predicated on protecting his own monopoly than anything else.
Ultimately, members of the public are perfectly capable of evaluating the safety record of different types of transport and, if they don't want to walk an extra 100 yards to use his cab, then tough!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CAB ARRAY
I am sorry to hear that taxi driver A Bain (Letters - 18th Feb) is, like most business people, suffering from a downturn in trade.
Nevertheless, his attack on the "illegal" private hire trade is a bit self serving and I'll warrant that his demand that "we need a new form of "taxi police" on the streets to make sure the public are safe" is more predicated on protecting his own monopoly than anything else.
Ultimately, members of the public are perfectly capable of evaluating the safety record of different types of transport and, if they don't want to walk an extra 100 yards to use his cab, then tough!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of February 2009 - Road Safety
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ROAD SAFETY
Some years ago, our City Fathers took a scunner to stone setts (cobbles) in Edinburgh - apart from in the "heritage" area of the High Street - and arranged for them to be covered up with a a thin layer of Tarmacadam.
At the top of Easter Road, the Tarmacadam is now beginning to wear out and the glorious original road surface can be seen in patches.
Would it be possible for the Council to remove the last vestiges of the Tarmacadam or must cyclists and pedestrians continue to suffer from lumps flying off under heavy traffic?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ROAD SAFETY
Some years ago, our City Fathers took a scunner to stone setts (cobbles) in Edinburgh - apart from in the "heritage" area of the High Street - and arranged for them to be covered up with a a thin layer of Tarmacadam.
At the top of Easter Road, the Tarmacadam is now beginning to wear out and the glorious original road surface can be seen in patches.
Would it be possible for the Council to remove the last vestiges of the Tarmacadam or must cyclists and pedestrians continue to suffer from lumps flying off under heavy traffic?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of February 2009 - Dopes
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DOPES
Why has the Government spent public money on making an anti-cannabis advert when there can be no better exposure of the dangers of this vile drug than the 1930's American film "Reefer Madness"?
As this film is now in the public domain, it would have cost nothing to have it shown on TV. May I suggest that any concerned parent who has access to the Internet should download it free from http://www.archive.org/details/reefer_madness1938 and make sure that their children see it?
If it were to save just one child it would be worth it!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of February 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DOPES
Why has the Government spent public money on making an anti-cannabis advert when there can be no better exposure of the dangers of this vile drug than the 1930's American film "Reefer Madness"?
As this film is now in the public domain, it would have cost nothing to have it shown on TV. May I suggest that any concerned parent who has access to the Internet should download it free from http://www.archive.org/details/reefer_madness1938 and make sure that their children see it?
If it were to save just one child it would be worth it!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
12th of January 2009 - Rich Edinburgh
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
12th of January 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It's always pleasant to arrive back at Waverley Station and even more so now that Edinburgh Council's new HQ building is adjacent.
Even on the darkest night, light spills out from every bulb in this glorious edifice to illuminate our city and I am filled with civic pride to be able to point out to fellow travellers: "Edinburgh is rich - we can afford the electricity bills!".
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
12th of January 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It's always pleasant to arrive back at Waverley Station and even more so now that Edinburgh Council's new HQ building is adjacent.
Even on the darkest night, light spills out from every bulb in this glorious edifice to illuminate our city and I am filled with civic pride to be able to point out to fellow travellers: "Edinburgh is rich - we can afford the electricity bills!".
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
2nd of January 2009 - Palestinian Question
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
2nd of January 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PALESTINIAN QUESTION
As it was the Balfour Declaration in 1917 which has prompted the present plight of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, isn't it now time for Scotland to atone for this act of British Imperialism of a fellow countryman by solving the problem at a stroke?
The Palestinians clearly need a homeland of their own - and what better place than to invite them to the Highlands of Scotland where they could re-populate the glens ravaged by the clearances.
Our many Muslim Scots would be able to help their brothers feel welcome and the skills and talents they bring would do much to benefit Scots of all faiths (and none).
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
2nd of January 2009
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PALESTINIAN QUESTION
As it was the Balfour Declaration in 1917 which has prompted the present plight of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, isn't it now time for Scotland to atone for this act of British Imperialism of a fellow countryman by solving the problem at a stroke?
The Palestinians clearly need a homeland of their own - and what better place than to invite them to the Highlands of Scotland where they could re-populate the glens ravaged by the clearances.
Our many Muslim Scots would be able to help their brothers feel welcome and the skills and talents they bring would do much to benefit Scots of all faiths (and none).
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
25th of November 2008 - A Faith Based Cure For Our Financial Ills?
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
25th of November 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
25th of November 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
A FAITH BASED CURE FOR OUR FINANCIAL ILLS?
NOW that Britain has been refused financial help by Saudi Arabia, it is perhaps time to consider what might make the Saudis change their hearts and minds.
How about Britain converting to the Moslem faith? In our democratic society, this is not something which could be achieved by compulsion.
Nevertheless, were the Queen to announce her immediate conversion to Islam, it would send a signal to all her citizens and I feel sure that Moslems throughout the world would feel more charitable towards her country.
After all, it would not be the first time that a British monarch has changed their faith. And Her Majesty has already had good practice at exchanging one set of dogmata for another on her frequent travels between Windsor and Holyrood - from the beliefs of the Anglican Church of England to those of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
As any theologian will tell you, the basic tenets of the Abrahamic Religions are little different. And any remaining doubts in Her Majesty's mind would soon be assuaged by the gratitude of Moslems everywhere.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of November 2008 - Interesting Question
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
6th of November 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
INTERESTING QUESTION
It's truly shocking that the Bank of England has slashed interests rates presaging a fall in the rates paid to savers by the High Street banks.
At a time when these banks are questionably solvent - surely savers investing their hard earned funds in these dodgy enterprises should receive an increased interest rate reflecting the risk involved? Or does capitalism no longer work like that in Mr Brown's Britain?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
6th of November 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
INTERESTING QUESTION
It's truly shocking that the Bank of England has slashed interests rates presaging a fall in the rates paid to savers by the High Street banks.
At a time when these banks are questionably solvent - surely savers investing their hard earned funds in these dodgy enterprises should receive an increased interest rate reflecting the risk involved? Or does capitalism no longer work like that in Mr Brown's Britain?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of October 2008 - Alcohol
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of October 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
At the SNP Conference, Alec Salmond has again shown the qualities of his leadership in successfully urging his party to return its socialist roots over the proposed ban on offsales of alcohol to our young people - something which will do much to improve the lives of the working class.
The minority who misguidedly voted to continue to allow youngsters to "enjoy" this dangerous drug willynilly should hang their heads in shame and slink off to other political parties that would no doubt welcome their libertarian views.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of October 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
At the SNP Conference, Alec Salmond has again shown the qualities of his leadership in successfully urging his party to return its socialist roots over the proposed ban on offsales of alcohol to our young people - something which will do much to improve the lives of the working class.
The minority who misguidedly voted to continue to allow youngsters to "enjoy" this dangerous drug willynilly should hang their heads in shame and slink off to other political parties that would no doubt welcome their libertarian views.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of October 2008 - Bankers
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
6th of October 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BANKERS
It seems that the government's guarantee scheme for bank deposits only applies to individuals and not businesses (be they small or large). Accordingly, I have just removed the funds from my company's bank account for safekeeping in case of further banking collapse.
No doubt those involved in the recent management buyout of MFI would do well from the vastly increased sale of mattreses were others to follow my example.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
6th of October 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BANKERS
It seems that the government's guarantee scheme for bank deposits only applies to individuals and not businesses (be they small or large). Accordingly, I have just removed the funds from my company's bank account for safekeeping in case of further banking collapse.
No doubt those involved in the recent management buyout of MFI would do well from the vastly increased sale of mattreses were others to follow my example.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
26th of September 2008 - Bankers
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
26th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BANKERS
With the whole international banking system seemingly in crisis, I wonder if Islam's Shariah banking could offer a practical alternative?
Perhaps our Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, could ask the Muslim Council of Britain to look into this - it might be a novel way of saving the Bank of Scotland and certainly could do no harm.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
26th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BANKERS
With the whole international banking system seemingly in crisis, I wonder if Islam's Shariah banking could offer a practical alternative?
Perhaps our Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, could ask the Muslim Council of Britain to look into this - it might be a novel way of saving the Bank of Scotland and certainly could do no harm.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
22nd of September 2008 - Mark Lazarowicz and Post Office Closures
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
22nd of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I have yet to hear my local MP, Mark Lazarowicz, show his usual brave political leadership by stridently defending his Government's policy on Post Office closures.
Mr Lazarowicz should not be ashamed to remind us that he is putting the interests of the nation before those of his few mainly elderly constituents who seem to use these small and uneconomic Post Offices as some sort of social centre instead of travelling a short distance and supporting larger branches that can provide a much wider range of services.
His opportunist opponents from other parties have killed a not inconsiderable number of trees in the production of protest leaflets when, if they were in power, they'd have done exactly the same in the face of the inevitable removal of the Post Office from the Public Sector. Even in these times of economic difficulty, complete privatisation (as we have seen with telecommunications and public transport) can only lead to improved standards of service as well as considerable profits for potential investors such as myself.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
22nd of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I have yet to hear my local MP, Mark Lazarowicz, show his usual brave political leadership by stridently defending his Government's policy on Post Office closures.
Mr Lazarowicz should not be ashamed to remind us that he is putting the interests of the nation before those of his few mainly elderly constituents who seem to use these small and uneconomic Post Offices as some sort of social centre instead of travelling a short distance and supporting larger branches that can provide a much wider range of services.
His opportunist opponents from other parties have killed a not inconsiderable number of trees in the production of protest leaflets when, if they were in power, they'd have done exactly the same in the face of the inevitable removal of the Post Office from the Public Sector. Even in these times of economic difficulty, complete privatisation (as we have seen with telecommunications and public transport) can only lead to improved standards of service as well as considerable profits for potential investors such as myself.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
19th of September 2008 - Paddy's Market
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I'm glad that Glasgow Council is taking steps to close the open wound that is Paddy's Market. It is only by getting rid of anachronistic institutions that cater largely for the working classes that our cities can be improved and made fit for the New Century and the challenges of modern mass tourism.
In Edinburgh, we have to thank the otherwise much criticised tram scheme for the closure of many tatty old shops in Leith Walk. These will soon be replaced by upmarket boutiques and coffee shops whilst the working classes will be far happier and get more exercise travelling out to peripheral trading estates in order to purchase their hardwear and other requisites.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I'm glad that Glasgow Council is taking steps to close the open wound that is Paddy's Market. It is only by getting rid of anachronistic institutions that cater largely for the working classes that our cities can be improved and made fit for the New Century and the challenges of modern mass tourism.
In Edinburgh, we have to thank the otherwise much criticised tram scheme for the closure of many tatty old shops in Leith Walk. These will soon be replaced by upmarket boutiques and coffee shops whilst the working classes will be far happier and get more exercise travelling out to peripheral trading estates in order to purchase their hardwear and other requisites.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of September 2008 - Paddy's Market
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Your correspondent Mark Boyle is absolutely correct (Letters today) in supporting the closure of Paddy's Market. It is only by getting rid of old fashioned businesses that cater largely for the working classes that our cities can be improved and made fit for the New Century.
In Edinburgh, we have to thank the otherwise much criticised tram scheme for the closure of many tatty old shops in Leith Walk. These will soon be replaced by upmarket boutiques and coffee shops whilst the working classes will be far happier and get more exercise travelling out to peripheral trading estates in order to purchase their hardwear and other requisites.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Your correspondent Mark Boyle is absolutely correct (Letters today) in supporting the closure of Paddy's Market. It is only by getting rid of old fashioned businesses that cater largely for the working classes that our cities can be improved and made fit for the New Century.
In Edinburgh, we have to thank the otherwise much criticised tram scheme for the closure of many tatty old shops in Leith Walk. These will soon be replaced by upmarket boutiques and coffee shops whilst the working classes will be far happier and get more exercise travelling out to peripheral trading estates in order to purchase their hardwear and other requisites.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of September 2008 - Sports Injuries
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I was sorry to read in today's Evening News about the teenage pupil at Merchiston Castle School who suffered an horrific spinal injury during a rugby match.
It really is time that the Scottish Government moved to protect our young people by banning dangerous sports of this sort in both public and private schools.
Whilst the 17 year old injured in this case is a young adult and able to make his own decisions, many younger people are forced into these dangerous sports through parental and peer pressures - not to mention the blinkered approach of PE teachers.
As your report showed, these sort of injuries are not exactly uncommon, and if a ban were to save just one child from being permanently disabled, I am sure it would be worth it.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I was sorry to read in today's Evening News about the teenage pupil at Merchiston Castle School who suffered an horrific spinal injury during a rugby match.
It really is time that the Scottish Government moved to protect our young people by banning dangerous sports of this sort in both public and private schools.
Whilst the 17 year old injured in this case is a young adult and able to make his own decisions, many younger people are forced into these dangerous sports through parental and peer pressures - not to mention the blinkered approach of PE teachers.
As your report showed, these sort of injuries are not exactly uncommon, and if a ban were to save just one child from being permanently disabled, I am sure it would be worth it.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
8th of September 2008 - Scottish Television
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
8th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SCOTTISH TELEVISION
I look forward to the new digital television channel proposed by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission to showcase Scottish programmes. It will be nice to once again have the opportunity to view culturally iconic programmes like The White Heather Club, Dotaman and Weir's Way.
However, I fear endless repeats of more modern programmes like Balamory which, despite the excellent portrayal of Miss Hoolie by Julie Wilson Nimmo, is not really reflective of Scotland of today due to an over eager political correctness mandating a homosexual policeman and inappropriately multi-racial cast.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
8th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SCOTTISH TELEVISION
I look forward to the new digital television channel proposed by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission to showcase Scottish programmes. It will be nice to once again have the opportunity to view culturally iconic programmes like The White Heather Club, Dotaman and Weir's Way.
However, I fear endless repeats of more modern programmes like Balamory which, despite the excellent portrayal of Miss Hoolie by Julie Wilson Nimmo, is not really reflective of Scotland of today due to an over eager political correctness mandating a homosexual policeman and inappropriately multi-racial cast.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
8th of September 2008 - War On Drugs
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
8th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
WAR ON DRUGS
Barry Stephen (Letters, 8 September) asks for evidence for my assertion that "we are winning the war on drugs" (Letters, 5 September).
I was merely repeating what we have been told by countless politicians and senior police officers over the last twenty years. Surely they can be trusted to be neither mistaken nor lieing?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
8th of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
WAR ON DRUGS
Barry Stephen (Letters, 8 September) asks for evidence for my assertion that "we are winning the war on drugs" (Letters, 5 September).
I was merely repeating what we have been told by countless politicians and senior police officers over the last twenty years. Surely they can be trusted to be neither mistaken nor lieing?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
3rd of September 2008 - Alcohol
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
3rd of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
The Scottish Government is to be congratulated on the strength of its proposals to make it more difficult for young people to get their hands on alcohol - a pernicious drug which is at the root of so many social evils and immorality. In the way in which we are currently winning the War Against Drugs, we can easily build this into a War Against Alcohol and make intoxication a thing of the past.
Why don't they also take the bold step of banning drink from official functions to set a good example? I cannot tell you how embarrassed I have been attending civic receptions where free alcohol has been provided at public expense and attendees, some of them our elected representatives, have hardly been able to stand up straight at the end of the evening! Whilst this modest proposal might not please the drinks industry, it would free up many thousands of pounds annually which could be diverted to alcohol education projects in schools and if it saved one child....
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
3rd of September 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL
The Scottish Government is to be congratulated on the strength of its proposals to make it more difficult for young people to get their hands on alcohol - a pernicious drug which is at the root of so many social evils and immorality. In the way in which we are currently winning the War Against Drugs, we can easily build this into a War Against Alcohol and make intoxication a thing of the past.
Why don't they also take the bold step of banning drink from official functions to set a good example? I cannot tell you how embarrassed I have been attending civic receptions where free alcohol has been provided at public expense and attendees, some of them our elected representatives, have hardly been able to stand up straight at the end of the evening! Whilst this modest proposal might not please the drinks industry, it would free up many thousands of pounds annually which could be diverted to alcohol education projects in schools and if it saved one child....
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
21st of August 2008 - Garry Glitter
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of August 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GARRY GLITTER
Why on earth does the UK government want Garry Glitter back into the country?
Would it not be more appropriate for all countries of the world to
reject him leaving him to forever rove the nether world of VIP
departure lounges - a milieu in which he is unlikely to find any
children to befriend?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of August 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GARRY GLITTER
Why on earth does the UK government want Garry Glitter back into the country?
Would it not be more appropriate for all countries of the world to
reject him leaving him to forever rove the nether world of VIP
departure lounges - a milieu in which he is unlikely to find any
children to befriend?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
2nd of July 2008 - Called To The Bar
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
2nd of July 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CALLED TO THE BAR
Timothy Dutton QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, predictably moans in today's Guardian about the portrayal of his profession in the BBC's Criminal Justice serial.
He makes much of the myth, and it is such as any barrister will tell you (when in their cups), that "Counsel's first duty is to the court and to the interests of justice".
This probably should be the case when a barrister is being remunerated from the public purse. However, when a client is paying out of their own pocket, the successful barrister (who is, after all, little more than an overpaid rent-a-gob) soon realises that their first duty is to their client!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
2nd of July 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CALLED TO THE BAR
Timothy Dutton QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, predictably moans in today's Guardian about the portrayal of his profession in the BBC's Criminal Justice serial.
He makes much of the myth, and it is such as any barrister will tell you (when in their cups), that "Counsel's first duty is to the court and to the interests of justice".
This probably should be the case when a barrister is being remunerated from the public purse. However, when a client is paying out of their own pocket, the successful barrister (who is, after all, little more than an overpaid rent-a-gob) soon realises that their first duty is to their client!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of June 2008 - Alcohol Policy
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of June 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL POLICY
As any professional will tell you, alcohol is mainly a problem for the young and poor who are ill-equipped to handle its affects and will greatly benefit from any enforced reduction in consumption caused by a rise in its price as well as the age at which it can be purchased for off-sales.
The middle aged higher earners, who can largely handle their drink and are unlikely to be found engaging in the nightly fracas in Lothian Road, may well quietly destroy their livers but will continue to do so unhindered in the privacy of their own homes.
The Scottish Government's consultation document is a proportionate response to a very real problem and I note that the British Medical Association (who would be the first to admit that they include a large number of alcoholics in their membership) has been quick to lend its support to the proposals.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of June 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ALCOHOL POLICY
As any professional will tell you, alcohol is mainly a problem for the young and poor who are ill-equipped to handle its affects and will greatly benefit from any enforced reduction in consumption caused by a rise in its price as well as the age at which it can be purchased for off-sales.
The middle aged higher earners, who can largely handle their drink and are unlikely to be found engaging in the nightly fracas in Lothian Road, may well quietly destroy their livers but will continue to do so unhindered in the privacy of their own homes.
The Scottish Government's consultation document is a proportionate response to a very real problem and I note that the British Medical Association (who would be the first to admit that they include a large number of alcoholics in their membership) has been quick to lend its support to the proposals.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
29th of May 2008 - Schools
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
29th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SCHOOLS
I fail to see why the Scottish Government is trying to reduce primary school class sizes at the cost of untold millions of pounds of taxpayers' money.
Instead, they should be utilising the talents of our few competent teachers by encouraging them to teach larger classes and remunerating them appropriately. They could then get rid of the bulk of glorified child minders who bedevil the profession - many of them scarcely literate themselves.
Class sizes keep falling, but children leave school with standards of numeracy and literacy which would never have been tolerated by the dedicated and talented teachers who taught composite classes of 40+ when I was at school a similar number of years ago.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
29th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SCHOOLS
I fail to see why the Scottish Government is trying to reduce primary school class sizes at the cost of untold millions of pounds of taxpayers' money.
Instead, they should be utilising the talents of our few competent teachers by encouraging them to teach larger classes and remunerating them appropriately. They could then get rid of the bulk of glorified child minders who bedevil the profession - many of them scarcely literate themselves.
Class sizes keep falling, but children leave school with standards of numeracy and literacy which would never have been tolerated by the dedicated and talented teachers who taught composite classes of 40+ when I was at school a similar number of years ago.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
30th of May 2008 - Drugs Of Addiction
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
30th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DRUGS OF ADDICTION
Your correspondent N Nisbet (EN 30th May), is quite right to say that "the time has come to stop pussy-footing around and ban the sale of all tobacco products for good".
But we should take things further by banning all drugs of addiction including alcohol and coffee. The world would be a much better place without these evil substances.
With the experience that has been gained by Police in what the Scottish Government assures us is a largely successful "War against Drugs", this should be a simple matter to enforce if only the political will was there.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
30th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DRUGS OF ADDICTION
Your correspondent N Nisbet (EN 30th May), is quite right to say that "the time has come to stop pussy-footing around and ban the sale of all tobacco products for good".
But we should take things further by banning all drugs of addiction including alcohol and coffee. The world would be a much better place without these evil substances.
With the experience that has been gained by Police in what the Scottish Government assures us is a largely successful "War against Drugs", this should be a simple matter to enforce if only the political will was there.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of May 2008 - No Doubts Over Borders Rail Link
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
20th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
NO DOUBTS OVER BORDERS RAIL LINK
I'm really not surprised at the crystal clear result of your poll on the proposed re-instatement of the Border Union Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank (Scotsman 19th May) which shows that this expensive white elephant is unloved and unwanted.
The line is only ever going to be used by a few environmentalist cranks whose every trip will be heavily subsidised at taxpayers' expense. Car users are never going to subject themselves to the capriciousness of the Trades Unionists who still call the shots on our railways, whilst the poor will continue to travel by the cheaper alternative of the bus.
Railways have had their day and the £300M should instead go towards building a decent motorway system in the Borders - benefitting car and bus user alike!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
20th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
NO DOUBTS OVER BORDERS RAIL LINK
I'm really not surprised at the crystal clear result of your poll on the proposed re-instatement of the Border Union Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank (Scotsman 19th May) which shows that this expensive white elephant is unloved and unwanted.
The line is only ever going to be used by a few environmentalist cranks whose every trip will be heavily subsidised at taxpayers' expense. Car users are never going to subject themselves to the capriciousness of the Trades Unionists who still call the shots on our railways, whilst the poor will continue to travel by the cheaper alternative of the bus.
Railways have had their day and the £300M should instead go towards building a decent motorway system in the Borders - benefitting car and bus user alike!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
15th of May 2008 - Future Of The Royal Mail
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
15th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FUTURE OF THE ROYAL MAIL
Postcomm are to be congratulated for their report that Royal Mail should begin the approach to privatisation. Nobody can deny the improvements in pricing and increases in standards of customer service that have been made by previously nationalised communication services like Telecommunications, Railways and Buses since they were liberated from the clammy hands of the Civil Service.
Royal Mail should also be free to charge more to deliver to the rural wilds of the country. After all, when it is now illegal for bus operators to cross-subsidise their routes so that busy city routes keep costs down in the rural hinterlands, why should I have to pay more for my city centre postal service in order to subsidise deliveries to people selfish enough to live in places like Thurso, Ballachulish or worse?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
15th of May 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FUTURE OF THE ROYAL MAIL
Postcomm are to be congratulated for their report that Royal Mail should begin the approach to privatisation. Nobody can deny the improvements in pricing and increases in standards of customer service that have been made by previously nationalised communication services like Telecommunications, Railways and Buses since they were liberated from the clammy hands of the Civil Service.
Royal Mail should also be free to charge more to deliver to the rural wilds of the country. After all, when it is now illegal for bus operators to cross-subsidise their routes so that busy city routes keep costs down in the rural hinterlands, why should I have to pay more for my city centre postal service in order to subsidise deliveries to people selfish enough to live in places like Thurso, Ballachulish or worse?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
4th of April 2008 - The Cost Of Child Poverty
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
4th of April 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
THE COST OF CHILD POVERTY
According to the Scottish Government, child poverty in Scotland costs us as much as £1.75billion a year. Worth every penny, I say!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
4th of April 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
THE COST OF CHILD POVERTY
According to the Scottish Government, child poverty in Scotland costs us as much as £1.75billion a year. Worth every penny, I say!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
4th of April 2008 - Our Drug Problem
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
4th of April 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
OUR DRUG PROBLEM
The Prime Minister is to be congratulated for ignoring the advice of The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and rolling ahead with plans to reclassify cannabis as a class B drug.
Having seen its sad effect on so many unfortunate colleagues in his cabinet (even if taken only once many years ago and not inhaled), Mr Brown must be only too well aware that use of this pernicious drug leads inexorably to immorality, psychosis and worse.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
4th of April 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
OUR DRUG PROBLEM
The Prime Minister is to be congratulated for ignoring the advice of The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and rolling ahead with plans to reclassify cannabis as a class B drug.
Having seen its sad effect on so many unfortunate colleagues in his cabinet (even if taken only once many years ago and not inhaled), Mr Brown must be only too well aware that use of this pernicious drug leads inexorably to immorality, psychosis and worse.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
22nd of February 2008 - Northern Rock
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
22nd of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
NORTHERN ROCK
Now that Northern Rock has been nationalised, surely all who abhor the Capitalist Banking System should be moving their savings to this publicly owned body? If at any time in the future, the Government should seek to again privatise the Rock, a threat of a withdrawal of funds in protest would soon make the Chancellor think again!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
22nd of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
NORTHERN ROCK
Now that Northern Rock has been nationalised, surely all who abhor the Capitalist Banking System should be moving their savings to this publicly owned body? If at any time in the future, the Government should seek to again privatise the Rock, a threat of a withdrawal of funds in protest would soon make the Chancellor think again!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of February 2008 - Bad Language
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
20th of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BAD LANGUAGE
It is spectacularly culturally insensitive of our Anglocentric Westminster Government that it is to introduce English tests for foreigners who plan to marry British citizens and settle in the UK.
What about the UK's other native languages: Gaelic in Scotland, Welsh in Wales and Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland? These languages are formally recognised in legislation pertaining to their countries (as equals with English in the case of Welsh) and their use is rightly promoted at considerable expense by the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies. It beggars belief that they should not be equally acceptable to English for those who wish to settle in our sceptred isles.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
20th of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BAD LANGUAGE
It is spectacularly culturally insensitive of our Anglocentric Westminster Government that it is to introduce English tests for foreigners who plan to marry British citizens and settle in the UK.
What about the UK's other native languages: Gaelic in Scotland, Welsh in Wales and Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland? These languages are formally recognised in legislation pertaining to their countries (as equals with English in the case of Welsh) and their use is rightly promoted at considerable expense by the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies. It beggars belief that they should not be equally acceptable to English for those who wish to settle in our sceptred isles.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
11th of February 2008 - What Hope For Porty School?
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
WHAT HOPE FOR PORTY SCHOOL?
I note your report in today's Evening News about a DVD made by pupils at Portobello High School bemoaning the state of the building in which they are being educated. Sadly, it is not just the building which seems to be at fault.
You would think that Head Boy Declan Slaven and Head Girl Amy Brodie (who introduce the DVD) would be smartly attired in order to act as ambassadors for their School. Sadly, as your picture shows, they appear with carelessly slack ties and open necked shirts indicative of all that is wrong with the young people of today.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
WHAT HOPE FOR PORTY SCHOOL?
I note your report in today's Evening News about a DVD made by pupils at Portobello High School bemoaning the state of the building in which they are being educated. Sadly, it is not just the building which seems to be at fault.
You would think that Head Boy Declan Slaven and Head Girl Amy Brodie (who introduce the DVD) would be smartly attired in order to act as ambassadors for their School. Sadly, as your picture shows, they appear with carelessly slack ties and open necked shirts indicative of all that is wrong with the young people of today.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
1st of February 2008 - Local Company?
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
1st of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LOCAL COMPANY?
The website for Lothian Buses has been down for some time today, preventing me from accessing online timetable information for an intended journey early tomorrow. And their published enquiry number for bus times isn't answering. That's annoying - but I'll cope by driving instead!
However, what is astounding to discover (having been rendered obvious by the nature of the technical problem) is that lothianbuses.com is hosted in Germany by a German company (Kundenserver in Karlsruhe). Further probing shows that their (working) flybybus.com site is hosted by another German company - Schlund also in Karlsruhe). Considering that there are any number of competent IT companies in Edinburgh (not to mention the rest of Scotland) who would be more than capable of providing a locally hosted and managed web site to match the locally owned and managed Lothian Buses, why haven't they been given the opportunity?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
1st of February 2008
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LOCAL COMPANY?
The website for Lothian Buses has been down for some time today, preventing me from accessing online timetable information for an intended journey early tomorrow. And their published enquiry number for bus times isn't answering. That's annoying - but I'll cope by driving instead!
However, what is astounding to discover (having been rendered obvious by the nature of the technical problem) is that lothianbuses.com is hosted in Germany by a German company (Kundenserver in Karlsruhe). Further probing shows that their (working) flybybus.com site is hosted by another German company - Schlund also in Karlsruhe). Considering that there are any number of competent IT companies in Edinburgh (not to mention the rest of Scotland) who would be more than capable of providing a locally hosted and managed web site to match the locally owned and managed Lothian Buses, why haven't they been given the opportunity?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of December 2007 - Consequences Of Police Searches
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CONSEQUENCES OF POLICE SEARCHES
Scottish justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill, complains that British Transport Police (BTP) have been searching an unduly high proportion of Asian travellers. In fact, a friend who is a BTP officer, informs me that their target is Asian travellers but that they have been told to search large numbers of non-Asian travellers at random in order to try and make this less obvious.
What most people who have been the subject of such a search under terror related legislation fail to realise is that not only has their search been recorded by the police but as a result, they are no longer eligible to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme and that they will henceforth have to apply for a visa if they wish to visit that country.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
17th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
CONSEQUENCES OF POLICE SEARCHES
Scottish justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill, complains that British Transport Police (BTP) have been searching an unduly high proportion of Asian travellers. In fact, a friend who is a BTP officer, informs me that their target is Asian travellers but that they have been told to search large numbers of non-Asian travellers at random in order to try and make this less obvious.
What most people who have been the subject of such a search under terror related legislation fail to realise is that not only has their search been recorded by the police but as a result, they are no longer eligible to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme and that they will henceforth have to apply for a visa if they wish to visit that country.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
14th of December 2007 - Police Strike
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
14th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
POLICE STRIKE
If police officers in England and Wales do go on strike, will the Government call on former miners to break up their picket lines?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
14th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
POLICE STRIKE
If police officers in England and Wales do go on strike, will the Government call on former miners to break up their picket lines?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
11th of December 2007 - ID Cards And Illegal Donations
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS AND ILLEGAL DONATIONS
With the continuing furore over the illegal donations to Charlie Gordon MSP from the Jersey-based businessman Paul Green, may I point out that this ludicrous situation would never have happened if we had a National ID card scheme.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
11th of December 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS AND ILLEGAL DONATIONS
With the continuing furore over the illegal donations to Charlie Gordon MSP from the Jersey-based businessman Paul Green, may I point out that this ludicrous situation would never have happened if we had a National ID card scheme.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
21st of November 2007 - Fraud Prevention
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of November 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FRAUD PREVENTION
My Bank Manager today advised me that I should change the number of my bank account as a safeguard against fraud in the light of HMRC's probable loss of my personal information.
She was glad to do this without charge, but I wonder if HMRC will be willing to pay any costs incurred by customers of other banks who demand recompense for the provision of new cheques, pay-in books and plastic cards??
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of November 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FRAUD PREVENTION
My Bank Manager today advised me that I should change the number of my bank account as a safeguard against fraud in the light of HMRC's probable loss of my personal information.
She was glad to do this without charge, but I wonder if HMRC will be willing to pay any costs incurred by customers of other banks who demand recompense for the provision of new cheques, pay-in books and plastic cards??
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
9th of November 2007 - Commonwealth Games
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
9th of November 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The poor of Nigeria must be overjoyed that Glasgow is to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Had the games gone to Abuja, Nigeria would have had to plunder their national treasury in order to finance the estimated £288m of the games. And costs would almost certainly have escalated in view of the endemic corruption to be found in that impoverished third world country.
The people of Scotland, on the other hand, can easily afford to pay £60 a head for a week of top class international sporting entertainment whilst the lessons learned by our incorruptible politicians and civil servants in the wake of the Parliament Building fiasco will hopefully ensure that everything runs to budget.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
9th of November 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The poor of Nigeria must be overjoyed that Glasgow is to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Had the games gone to Abuja, Nigeria would have had to plunder their national treasury in order to finance the estimated £288m of the games. And costs would almost certainly have escalated in view of the endemic corruption to be found in that impoverished third world country.
The people of Scotland, on the other hand, can easily afford to pay £60 a head for a week of top class international sporting entertainment whilst the lessons learned by our incorruptible politicians and civil servants in the wake of the Parliament Building fiasco will hopefully ensure that everything runs to budget.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of October 2007 - A Major Contribution To Road Safety
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of October 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO ROAD SAFETY
Anent the proposal to reduce the urban speed limit to 20mph in order to improve road safety for children. As a child, I was taught to look right, left and right again to ensure that the road was clear before crossing. Are modern children no longer capable of this? If so, 20mph is probably still too fast and we should ensure that all motor vehicles are preceded by a person carrying a red flag.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
16th of October 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO ROAD SAFETY
Anent the proposal to reduce the urban speed limit to 20mph in order to improve road safety for children. As a child, I was taught to look right, left and right again to ensure that the road was clear before crossing. Are modern children no longer capable of this? If so, 20mph is probably still too fast and we should ensure that all motor vehicles are preceded by a person carrying a red flag.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
1st of October 2007 - Religious Tolerance
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
1st of October 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
Congratulations to Sainsbury's on their considerate stance in permitting their Muslim staff to refuse to handle or sell alcoholic beverages.
As a devout Grocetarian, I wonder what allowances they would feel able to make to allow me to work for them in accordance with my deeply held religious belief that it is inaproppriate to handle groceries in public?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
1st of October 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
Congratulations to Sainsbury's on their considerate stance in permitting their Muslim staff to refuse to handle or sell alcoholic beverages.
As a devout Grocetarian, I wonder what allowances they would feel able to make to allow me to work for them in accordance with my deeply held religious belief that it is inaproppriate to handle groceries in public?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
19th of July 2007 - Long Arm Of The Law
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of July 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LONG ARM OF THE LAW
As Home Secretary, I'm sure that Jacqui Smith believes that those who commit criminal offences should never be able to hide from the long arm of the law. Accordingly, now that she has come clean with the public over her flagrant youthful disregard of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is surely time for her to lead by example and similarly unburden herself to the police and submit to the full weight of the judicial system. Anything else smacks of "Do as I say, not as I do"!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
19th of July 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LONG ARM OF THE LAW
As Home Secretary, I'm sure that Jacqui Smith believes that those who commit criminal offences should never be able to hide from the long arm of the law. Accordingly, now that she has come clean with the public over her flagrant youthful disregard of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is surely time for her to lead by example and similarly unburden herself to the police and submit to the full weight of the judicial system. Anything else smacks of "Do as I say, not as I do"!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of July 2007 - Stop Exploiting Foreign Workers
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
17th of July 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
STOP EXPLOITING FOREIGN WORKERS
Campaigners urging the Prime Minister to force supermarkets to increase wages of garment workers in Asia from a disgraceful 4p-an-hour are sadly misguided.
Surely it would be more to the point to repatriate these jobs to factories in the UK?
Whilst we would all have to pay more for our clothing at British wage rates, at least we wouldn't be exploiting foreign workers who would soon learn what it feels like to suffer from the scourge of unemployment.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
17th of July 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
STOP EXPLOITING FOREIGN WORKERS
Campaigners urging the Prime Minister to force supermarkets to increase wages of garment workers in Asia from a disgraceful 4p-an-hour are sadly misguided.
Surely it would be more to the point to repatriate these jobs to factories in the UK?
Whilst we would all have to pay more for our clothing at British wage rates, at least we wouldn't be exploiting foreign workers who would soon learn what it feels like to suffer from the scourge of unemployment.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of June 2007 - Homosexualist Agenda
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Those of us who abhor the homosexualist agenda and the disruption that the Gay Parade and Pride Scotia Festival will cause to Edinburgh this weekend will be giving thanks for the current spell of bad weather.
As we all know, the slightest spot of drizzle is enough to cause most male homosexuals to run for cover. They may claim to be "out" but I'll warrant that there won't be many out in the rain on Saturday.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Those of us who abhor the homosexualist agenda and the disruption that the Gay Parade and Pride Scotia Festival will cause to Edinburgh this weekend will be giving thanks for the current spell of bad weather.
As we all know, the slightest spot of drizzle is enough to cause most male homosexuals to run for cover. They may claim to be "out" but I'll warrant that there won't be many out in the rain on Saturday.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
10th of June 2007 - Lockerbie Bomber
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It has been somewhat depressing over the last few days watching Westminster and the Scottish Executive's unseemly squabble over whether or nor the "Lockerbie Bomber" has been included in a deal over Libyan prisoners.
As any open minded and fair person who has reviewed the evidence will tell you, Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is totally innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted having been fitted up before a kangaroo court in the interest of political expediency.
Instead of emulating the excesses of a school debating society, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill should seek to right this national disgrace by instructing the immediate release of Mr al-Megrahi who should also be handsomely compensated for his ordeal at the hands of Scottish "Justice" - what better way to spend a good chunk of the money which will undoubtedly be saved by cancelling the Edinburgh trams?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It has been somewhat depressing over the last few days watching Westminster and the Scottish Executive's unseemly squabble over whether or nor the "Lockerbie Bomber" has been included in a deal over Libyan prisoners.
As any open minded and fair person who has reviewed the evidence will tell you, Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is totally innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted having been fitted up before a kangaroo court in the interest of political expediency.
Instead of emulating the excesses of a school debating society, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill should seek to right this national disgrace by instructing the immediate release of Mr al-Megrahi who should also be handsomely compensated for his ordeal at the hands of Scottish "Justice" - what better way to spend a good chunk of the money which will undoubtedly be saved by cancelling the Edinburgh trams?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
8th of June 2007 - City Disruption
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Yesterday's considerable disruption of Central Edinburgh caused by the police's total closure of North Bridge and Market Street in reaction to a man clambering onto the bridge parapet was totally unjustified.
As such misuse of the bridge seems to be becoming a regular feature of city life, this typical police overreaction can only lead to further selfish and distasteful shouts of "jump" from inconvenienced passers-by who believe that encouraging the unfortunate individual concerned to take this "final step" will bring an end to the incident and allow them to continue their journeys with less delay.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Yesterday's considerable disruption of Central Edinburgh caused by the police's total closure of North Bridge and Market Street in reaction to a man clambering onto the bridge parapet was totally unjustified.
As such misuse of the bridge seems to be becoming a regular feature of city life, this typical police overreaction can only lead to further selfish and distasteful shouts of "jump" from inconvenienced passers-by who believe that encouraging the unfortunate individual concerned to take this "final step" will bring an end to the incident and allow them to continue their journeys with less delay.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
7th of June 2007 - Lady Diana Spencer
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
7th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Channel 4 are to be congratulated for their programme on the car crash which killed Lady Diana Spencer. Whilst it doubtless proved uncomfortable viewing to her two sons, one can only hope that the photographs of the wreckage and its dying occupants will lead viewers to realise the importance of wearing seatbelts. I am sure that it is what she would have wanted.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
7th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Channel 4 are to be congratulated for their programme on the car crash which killed Lady Diana Spencer. Whilst it doubtless proved uncomfortable viewing to her two sons, one can only hope that the photographs of the wreckage and its dying occupants will lead viewers to realise the importance of wearing seatbelts. I am sure that it is what she would have wanted.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of June 2007 - Catholic Forgiveness
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I had always understood that the Roman Catholic Church would give Holy Communion to members who had repented of their sins by confessing them to a priest. I have several Catholic friends who describe themselves as serial sinners but regularly go to confession to make themselves "right with God".
What then is so special about politicians who have voted in favour of permitting women to have abortions that Cardinal Keith O'Brien would deny them Holy Communion for all time? Are they not to be permitted the opportunity to repent? After all, serial murderers regularly receive the Sacraments of the Church in our gaols as do priests who have been convicted of sexual offences against children.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I had always understood that the Roman Catholic Church would give Holy Communion to members who had repented of their sins by confessing them to a priest. I have several Catholic friends who describe themselves as serial sinners but regularly go to confession to make themselves "right with God".
What then is so special about politicians who have voted in favour of permitting women to have abortions that Cardinal Keith O'Brien would deny them Holy Communion for all time? Are they not to be permitted the opportunity to repent? After all, serial murderers regularly receive the Sacraments of the Church in our gaols as do priests who have been convicted of sexual offences against children.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
4th of June 2007 - Policing Priorities
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
4th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Modern policing, we are oft told by Chief Constables lamenting lack of resources, is a matter of priorities.
What then are we to make of Lothian and Borders Police's decision to evict a blameless householder in order to tear their home apart in an attempt to obtain evidence that might connect Peter Tobin with the missing schoolgirl Vicky Hamilton who disappeared in 1991? Bearing in mind that 60 year old Tobin is currently serving a minimum sentence of 21 years for the murder of Angelika Kluk and will thankfully never set foot out of gaol, what possible justification is there for such squandering of valuable police resources? By now, Ms Hamilton's parents must surely be reconciled to the fact that they will never see their poor child alive.
Meanwhile, a colleague is still waiting for Edinburgh police to contact him to take details of a hit and run incident last week and we see violence in our streets every weekend to which the police claim they are unable to respond timeously due to lack of police officers.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
4th of June 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Modern policing, we are oft told by Chief Constables lamenting lack of resources, is a matter of priorities.
What then are we to make of Lothian and Borders Police's decision to evict a blameless householder in order to tear their home apart in an attempt to obtain evidence that might connect Peter Tobin with the missing schoolgirl Vicky Hamilton who disappeared in 1991? Bearing in mind that 60 year old Tobin is currently serving a minimum sentence of 21 years for the murder of Angelika Kluk and will thankfully never set foot out of gaol, what possible justification is there for such squandering of valuable police resources? By now, Ms Hamilton's parents must surely be reconciled to the fact that they will never see their poor child alive.
Meanwhile, a colleague is still waiting for Edinburgh police to contact him to take details of a hit and run incident last week and we see violence in our streets every weekend to which the police claim they are unable to respond timeously due to lack of police officers.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
22nd of May 2007 - Choirs Of Homosexuals
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
22nd of May 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I was appalled to read in the Evening News (Mon 21st May) that two choirs of homosexuals are to sing in the Usher Hall on Saturday. I have just seen some of the promotional material for this concert which not only features semi-naked men in a variety of fetishistic costumes (including what I am informed is "bondage gear") but promises that the show will "contain strong language and adult themes". One can only hope that our new Lord Provost, Rev George Grubb, will step in to make sure that the tone of Edinburgh is not further lowered by allowing this event to take place in Council owned premises.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
22nd of May 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I was appalled to read in the Evening News (Mon 21st May) that two choirs of homosexuals are to sing in the Usher Hall on Saturday. I have just seen some of the promotional material for this concert which not only features semi-naked men in a variety of fetishistic costumes (including what I am informed is "bondage gear") but promises that the show will "contain strong language and adult themes". One can only hope that our new Lord Provost, Rev George Grubb, will step in to make sure that the tone of Edinburgh is not further lowered by allowing this event to take place in Council owned premises.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
10th of May 2007 - Get Behind The Union
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of May 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GET BEHIND THE UNION
One thing is clear from the Scottish Parliamentary election: although the SNP may be the largest party, the majority of voters in Scotland voted for Unionist parties.
With this overwhelming vote of confidence in the Union, it is now time for Scots to start paying our way instead of continuing to indulge ourselves in the traditional Scottish dependency culture.
If it is true that Independence would cost every Scot £5,000 a year (as was suggested during the election campaign), then we should no longer be accepting this subsidy from the other constituent parts of the UK - many of which exhibit far greater poverty and worse social conditions than we have in Scotland. Instead, the money should be evenly spread on a per capita basis with, perhaps a little more going to the Capital, London, where the forthcoming Olympics are sure to benefit every part of the UK by fostering an atmosphere of national pride and unity.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of May 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GET BEHIND THE UNION
One thing is clear from the Scottish Parliamentary election: although the SNP may be the largest party, the majority of voters in Scotland voted for Unionist parties.
With this overwhelming vote of confidence in the Union, it is now time for Scots to start paying our way instead of continuing to indulge ourselves in the traditional Scottish dependency culture.
If it is true that Independence would cost every Scot £5,000 a year (as was suggested during the election campaign), then we should no longer be accepting this subsidy from the other constituent parts of the UK - many of which exhibit far greater poverty and worse social conditions than we have in Scotland. Instead, the money should be evenly spread on a per capita basis with, perhaps a little more going to the Capital, London, where the forthcoming Olympics are sure to benefit every part of the UK by fostering an atmosphere of national pride and unity.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
10th of April 2007 - Paedophiles Lower Property Values
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of April 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PAEDOPHILES LOWER PROPERTY VALUES
The government has taken leave of its senses in offering to publish figures which will allow the construction of league tables of locales in which convicted paedophiles reside. Clearly no consideration has been had to property values which will assuredly plummet in areas of high paedophile concentration. And this will lead to young families being trapped in such dangerous areas - unable to sell and move to somewhere safer.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of April 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PAEDOPHILES LOWER PROPERTY VALUES
The government has taken leave of its senses in offering to publish figures which will allow the construction of league tables of locales in which convicted paedophiles reside. Clearly no consideration has been had to property values which will assuredly plummet in areas of high paedophile concentration. And this will lead to young families being trapped in such dangerous areas - unable to sell and move to somewhere safer.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
9th of April 2007 - Iranian Captives
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
9th of April 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
IRANIAN CAPTIVES
As there have been no allegations that the 15 Royal Navy personnel held captive by Iran were actually subjected to torture, it seems strange that they are being rewarded by being allowed to sell their stories to the highest bidders. Instead, those who peddled falsehood at the bidding of their captors should be facing Courts Martial.
When one thinks of those British Servicepeople tortured by the Nazis who went to their graves saying no more than their names, ranks and numbers, it makes my blood boil to see how standards have dropped in our mollycoddled Services.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
9th of April 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
IRANIAN CAPTIVES
As there have been no allegations that the 15 Royal Navy personnel held captive by Iran were actually subjected to torture, it seems strange that they are being rewarded by being allowed to sell their stories to the highest bidders. Instead, those who peddled falsehood at the bidding of their captors should be facing Courts Martial.
When one thinks of those British Servicepeople tortured by the Nazis who went to their graves saying no more than their names, ranks and numbers, it makes my blood boil to see how standards have dropped in our mollycoddled Services.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
21st of February 2007 - Langham Windfarm
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
21st of February 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LANGHAM WINDFARM
David Quinton and Mary Brazier are typical of the incomer NIMBY tytpes who always object to any form of progress.
As any real locals will tell you, the Anderby area is not of any great scenic value and the jobs that will be created by this welcome move by NPower far outweigh any possible transient environmental detriment.
Power needs to be generated somehow. If they're so opposed to a green windfarm, how would they like to see a nuclear power station built on their doorsteps?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
21st of February 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
LANGHAM WINDFARM
David Quinton and Mary Brazier are typical of the incomer NIMBY tytpes who always object to any form of progress.
As any real locals will tell you, the Anderby area is not of any great scenic value and the jobs that will be created by this welcome move by NPower far outweigh any possible transient environmental detriment.
Power needs to be generated somehow. If they're so opposed to a green windfarm, how would they like to see a nuclear power station built on their doorsteps?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of January 2007 - Armed Forces
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
16th of January 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ARMED FORCES
Defence Minister Derek Twigg has recently revealed that 10% of new recruits to the Royal Regiment of Scotland are from the Fiji Isles.
Taxpayers (including the ever moaning Rose Gentles) should rejoice that British canon fodder is increasingly being provided by cheap overseas labour instead of risking the lives of native Scots?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
16th of January 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ARMED FORCES
Defence Minister Derek Twigg has recently revealed that 10% of new recruits to the Royal Regiment of Scotland are from the Fiji Isles.
Taxpayers (including the ever moaning Rose Gentles) should rejoice that British canon fodder is increasingly being provided by cheap overseas labour instead of risking the lives of native Scots?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
16th of January 2007 - Armed Forces
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
16th of January 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ARMED FORCES
Donald Fairgreave disapprovingly notes in today's Scotsman letters that 10% of new recruits to the Royal Regiment of Scotland are from the Fiji Isles.
Surely taxpayers (including the ever moaning Rose Gentles) should rejoice that British canon fodder is increasingly being provided by cheap overseas labour instead of risking the lives of native Scots?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
16th of January 2007
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ARMED FORCES
Donald Fairgreave disapprovingly notes in today's Scotsman letters that 10% of new recruits to the Royal Regiment of Scotland are from the Fiji Isles.
Surely taxpayers (including the ever moaning Rose Gentles) should rejoice that British canon fodder is increasingly being provided by cheap overseas labour instead of risking the lives of native Scots?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of December 2006 - Forth Tunnel
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of December 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FORTH TUNNEL
You claim in today's Evening News that engineer John Carson was first to propose a tunnel as a replacement for the Forth Road Bridge.
No so. I first suggested in in the letters column of your sister newspaper The Scotsman on 2nd January 2006.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of December 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
FORTH TUNNEL
You claim in today's Evening News that engineer John Carson was first to propose a tunnel as a replacement for the Forth Road Bridge.
No so. I first suggested in in the letters column of your sister newspaper The Scotsman on 2nd January 2006.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of December 2006 - ID Cards
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of December 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS
Home Secretary John Reid's announcement that biometric details will become compulsory with ID cards does not go far enough.
The system should also include DNA samples from the entire population.
If this was already in place, perhaps the police would have been able to catch the criminal drug fiend who left a lump of cannabis in Mr Reid's house.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of December 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS
Home Secretary John Reid's announcement that biometric details will become compulsory with ID cards does not go far enough.
The system should also include DNA samples from the entire population.
If this was already in place, perhaps the police would have been able to catch the criminal drug fiend who left a lump of cannabis in Mr Reid's house.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
9th of November 2006 - ID Cards
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
9th of November 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS
I really cannot fathom why we are spending all this money on introducing ID cards when the technology is available for biometrics to be used directly in conjunction with an online database.
If Mr Blair is serious about a national identity scheme, he and his MPs must show that there is nothing to fear by volunteering themselves and their families to be the first to proffer their fingerprints, iris scans and DNA samples for the new database (insofar as they are not on record already).
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
9th of November 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
ID CARDS
I really cannot fathom why we are spending all this money on introducing ID cards when the technology is available for biometrics to be used directly in conjunction with an online database.
If Mr Blair is serious about a national identity scheme, he and his MPs must show that there is nothing to fear by volunteering themselves and their families to be the first to proffer their fingerprints, iris scans and DNA samples for the new database (insofar as they are not on record already).
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
8th of November 2006 - Community Safety
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of November 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
COMMUNITY SAFETY
As a parent, Jack McConnell is to be applauded for his willingness to allow police to inform neighbours of the home addresses of convicted or suspected paedophiles and other sexual offenders.
This will allow local people to take appropriate action in the knowledge that no jury will convict them for doing what it takes to protect their children and keep our communities safe.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of November 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
COMMUNITY SAFETY
As a parent, Jack McConnell is to be applauded for his willingness to allow police to inform neighbours of the home addresses of convicted or suspected paedophiles and other sexual offenders.
This will allow local people to take appropriate action in the knowledge that no jury will convict them for doing what it takes to protect their children and keep our communities safe.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
31st of October 2006 - Global Warming
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
31st of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GLOBAL WARMING
In encouraging world leaders to tinker with the inevitable by devoting up to 1% of their countries' economies to combat global warning, Sir Nick Stern has missed the boat.
It is increasingly clear that global warming is inexorable and will change the world as we know it.
Rather than trying to emulate King Canute, and inconvenience people in the short term by restricting travel and the like, it would be more to the point to discuss what we are going to do to manage that change. It is time to select who will live and who will die when the waters rise.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
31st of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
GLOBAL WARMING
In encouraging world leaders to tinker with the inevitable by devoting up to 1% of their countries' economies to combat global warning, Sir Nick Stern has missed the boat.
It is increasingly clear that global warming is inexorable and will change the world as we know it.
Rather than trying to emulate King Canute, and inconvenience people in the short term by restricting travel and the like, it would be more to the point to discuss what we are going to do to manage that change. It is time to select who will live and who will die when the waters rise.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
25th of October 2006 - Meat
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
25th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
MEAT
Alison Adamson-Ross complains (Evening News, October 24) that she has to eat vegetarian food when halal meat is on offer. If she is so sensitive to the suffering of animals, she clearly has no idea of the cruelty inherent in the meat industry or she would be a vegetarian all the time.
As an unrepentant meat eater, I have resolved to disregard this and have made a point of seeking out the Maximum Cruelty halal variety which happens to taste much nicer - which is all that really matters! However, I at least choose to support my local halal butchers in Leith Walk rather than shopping at Tesco.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
25th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
MEAT
Alison Adamson-Ross complains (Evening News, October 24) that she has to eat vegetarian food when halal meat is on offer. If she is so sensitive to the suffering of animals, she clearly has no idea of the cruelty inherent in the meat industry or she would be a vegetarian all the time.
As an unrepentant meat eater, I have resolved to disregard this and have made a point of seeking out the Maximum Cruelty halal variety which happens to taste much nicer - which is all that really matters! However, I at least choose to support my local halal butchers in Leith Walk rather than shopping at Tesco.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
24th of October 2006 - Parenting
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PARENTING
The adoption of David Banda by Madonna and Guy Ritchie has very publicly reminded us of the high standards required of adoptive parents.
If only governments were prepared to apply the same standards to natural parents so many of whom are manifestly unfit to bring up children yet are allowed to attempt to do so because of the blood tie.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PARENTING
The adoption of David Banda by Madonna and Guy Ritchie has very publicly reminded us of the high standards required of adoptive parents.
If only governments were prepared to apply the same standards to natural parents so many of whom are manifestly unfit to bring up children yet are allowed to attempt to do so because of the blood tie.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of October 2006 - Suitable Attire
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SUITABLE ATTIRE
I find it intimidating to interact with men dressed in the formal garb of suit and tie.
I wonder if Jack Straw would be prepared to dress differently in order to accommodate my prejudices?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of October 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SUITABLE ATTIRE
I find it intimidating to interact with men dressed in the formal garb of suit and tie.
I wonder if Jack Straw would be prepared to dress differently in order to accommodate my prejudices?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of September 2006 - Parking
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of September 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PARKING
Edinburgh City Council's latest offensive in the War Against Motoring has produced the predictable and potentially profitable response that Parking Zones should be extended yet again.
I think we should be told if the Councillors and Officials responsible for introducing these measures have parking spaces made available to them by the Council and if they use these regularly instead of getting the bus as they so clearly wish their lieges and vassals to do.
Perhaps the Evening News could make suitable Freedom Of Information requests and publish the results?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of September 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
PARKING
Edinburgh City Council's latest offensive in the War Against Motoring has produced the predictable and potentially profitable response that Parking Zones should be extended yet again.
I think we should be told if the Councillors and Officials responsible for introducing these measures have parking spaces made available to them by the Council and if they use these regularly instead of getting the bus as they so clearly wish their lieges and vassals to do.
Perhaps the Evening News could make suitable Freedom Of Information requests and publish the results?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
26th of August 2006 - Terrorism
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of August 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
TERRORISM
I can well understand why those Moslems recently accused of a terrorist plot might think that they were unlikely to get a fair trial - especially if presided over by a white public school Anglican judge with an all white jury.
So, why not allow them to be tried by fellow Moslems under the Sharia Law that we are told the Moslem community craves?
If credible evidence against them exists, conviction and sentencing by their peers would do much to prove that UK Moslems have no sympathy with terrorists.
As a former Church Elder, I feel sure that, whilst Liberals might find a death sentence not to their taste, the majority of Britons of whatever colour or creed would support this if it led to a safer and a truly multi-cultural society.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of August 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
TERRORISM
I can well understand why those Moslems recently accused of a terrorist plot might think that they were unlikely to get a fair trial - especially if presided over by a white public school Anglican judge with an all white jury.
So, why not allow them to be tried by fellow Moslems under the Sharia Law that we are told the Moslem community craves?
If credible evidence against them exists, conviction and sentencing by their peers would do much to prove that UK Moslems have no sympathy with terrorists.
As a former Church Elder, I feel sure that, whilst Liberals might find a death sentence not to their taste, the majority of Britons of whatever colour or creed would support this if it led to a safer and a truly multi-cultural society.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
24th of July 2006 - Bus Pass
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of July 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BUS PASS
My uncle, who lost his leg in Korea, was recently persuaded to apply for his free bus pass.
Imagine his surprise when, after a night out with friends in the centre of the city, he went to get a night bus home only to discover that his pass wasn't valid. Unfortunately, he had spent all his money on the last round of drinks, couldn't pay the fare and had to walk 5 miles home.
What a way to treat a war hero!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of July 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BUS PASS
My uncle, who lost his leg in Korea, was recently persuaded to apply for his free bus pass.
Imagine his surprise when, after a night out with friends in the centre of the city, he went to get a night bus home only to discover that his pass wasn't valid. Unfortunately, he had spent all his money on the last round of drinks, couldn't pay the fare and had to walk 5 miles home.
What a way to treat a war hero!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
24th of July 2006 - Sheridan Trial
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of July 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SHERIDAN TRIAL
It seems that the Supreme Courts Administration have deliberately chosen one of their smallest court rooms as the forum for Tommy Sheridan's case against the News of the World in order to discourage the public from seeing justice being done in this most interesting case.
Last week, I saw card carrying journalists being excluded from the trial because their names weren't on "the list" whilst interested members of Mr Sheridan's party and other members of the public were also sternly denied entrance as they weren't in the first 18. Meanwhile, two smiling American visitors were ushered into the court by an obsequious official.
Is it any wonder that so many Scots have lost confidence in our system of secret justice?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of July 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
SHERIDAN TRIAL
It seems that the Supreme Courts Administration have deliberately chosen one of their smallest court rooms as the forum for Tommy Sheridan's case against the News of the World in order to discourage the public from seeing justice being done in this most interesting case.
Last week, I saw card carrying journalists being excluded from the trial because their names weren't on "the list" whilst interested members of Mr Sheridan's party and other members of the public were also sternly denied entrance as they weren't in the first 18. Meanwhile, two smiling American visitors were ushered into the court by an obsequious official.
Is it any wonder that so many Scots have lost confidence in our system of secret justice?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
10th of April 2006 - Matchless
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of April 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
MATCHLESS
The DEFRA Bird Flu Advice Line has proved most unhelpful over my query as to the safety of Swan Vestas. I wonder if your readers have any advice.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
10th of April 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
MATCHLESS
The DEFRA Bird Flu Advice Line has proved most unhelpful over my query as to the safety of Swan Vestas. I wonder if your readers have any advice.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of April 2006 - Synchronicity
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of April 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It seems a perfect example of synchronicity that Bird Flu in the UK has arrived on the very day that the government was due to conduct an Exercise on the subject.
One sincerely hopes that our government has no intention of conducting an Exercise on Nuclear Attacks by Terrorists!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of April 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It seems a perfect example of synchronicity that Bird Flu in the UK has arrived on the very day that the government was due to conduct an Exercise on the subject.
One sincerely hopes that our government has no intention of conducting an Exercise on Nuclear Attacks by Terrorists!
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
27th of March 2006 - Double Standards
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
27th of March 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DOUBLE STANDARDS
Maureen Moore, Chief Executive of ASH, says ("Better for society in long run") that anti-smoking legislation will help to protect all Scots - smokers and non-smokers alike - from unwanted exposure to a removable carcinogen and could also show the next generation a way to avoid the tobacco addiction trap.
If legal compulsion is such a good thing, why does she not take a similar line in her work with PHACE Scotland (Project for HIV/AIDS Care and Education) by pressing for the criminalisation of unsafe sex?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
27th of March 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
DOUBLE STANDARDS
Maureen Moore, Chief Executive of ASH, says ("Better for society in long run") that anti-smoking legislation will help to protect all Scots - smokers and non-smokers alike - from unwanted exposure to a removable carcinogen and could also show the next generation a way to avoid the tobacco addiction trap.
If legal compulsion is such a good thing, why does she not take a similar line in her work with PHACE Scotland (Project for HIV/AIDS Care and Education) by pressing for the criminalisation of unsafe sex?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
25th of February 2006 - Bogus Policeman
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
25th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BOGUS POLICEMAN
John Hein (Letters February 15) asks the police to tell us how to distinguish a real warrant card from a fake. As the police service couldn't distinguish Shirley McKie's fingerprint from somebody else's, I'm not sure that their advice is worth having.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
25th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
BOGUS POLICEMAN
John Hein (Letters February 15) asks the police to tell us how to distinguish a real warrant card from a fake. As the police service couldn't distinguish Shirley McKie's fingerprint from somebody else's, I'm not sure that their advice is worth having.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
24th of February 2006 - Insult To Islam
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
INSULT TO ISLAM
Having not been in Fountainbridge for some years, I was astounded to see that the Mecca Bingo Hall was still in business. In our multi-cultural city, how on earth can such an insensitive snub to our Islamic brothers and sisters be tolerated?
Whilst this social club may be a place of pilgrimage and pious aspiration for those who play bingo, the regrettable misuse of the word "Mecca" belittles its importance in the eyes of many of Edinburgh's citizens.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
24th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
INSULT TO ISLAM
Having not been in Fountainbridge for some years, I was astounded to see that the Mecca Bingo Hall was still in business. In our multi-cultural city, how on earth can such an insensitive snub to our Islamic brothers and sisters be tolerated?
Whilst this social club may be a place of pilgrimage and pious aspiration for those who play bingo, the regrettable misuse of the word "Mecca" belittles its importance in the eyes of many of Edinburgh's citizens.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
15th of February 2006 - Smoking Ban
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
15th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Smoking Ban
Now that Westminster has had the good sense to follow the Scottish Parliament in banning smoking in pubs and clubs, when will they take the next bold step of banning that other unhealthy scourge of such dens of iniquity: alcohol?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
15th of February 2006
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Smoking Ban
Now that Westminster has had the good sense to follow the Scottish Parliament in banning smoking in pubs and clubs, when will they take the next bold step of banning that other unhealthy scourge of such dens of iniquity: alcohol?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
29th of December 2005 - Forth Crossing
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
29th of December 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Forth Crossing
News that the Forth Road Bridge is on its last legs and will soon need replacement provides the perfect opportunity for a Forth Tunnel. This would be totally hidden from view and would remove the constant roar of traffic that can be heard near the current bridge.
With judicious planning, it would almost certainly be possible to re-use much of the existing road structure so there need be little disturbance and the removed spoil could undoubtedly be useful elsewhere. The visual amenity of the area would also benefit greatly.
This is a genuine alternative which must be fully investigated by the Scottish Executive before any final decisions are made on a Forth Bridge replacement.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
29th of December 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Forth Crossing
News that the Forth Road Bridge is on its last legs and will soon need replacement provides the perfect opportunity for a Forth Tunnel. This would be totally hidden from view and would remove the constant roar of traffic that can be heard near the current bridge.
With judicious planning, it would almost certainly be possible to re-use much of the existing road structure so there need be little disturbance and the removed spoil could undoubtedly be useful elsewhere. The visual amenity of the area would also benefit greatly.
This is a genuine alternative which must be fully investigated by the Scottish Executive before any final decisions are made on a Forth Bridge replacement.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
26th of December 2005 - Pensions
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of December 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Pensions crisis? What pensions crisis?
By the time I'm ready to collect my pension from the state, pensioners will form the majority of the voting population and will be a force which no political party will be able to ignore. The minority working population will just have to keep us in the style to which we feel entitled.
I certainly won't be saving a penny for my old age.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of December 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Pensions crisis? What pensions crisis?
By the time I'm ready to collect my pension from the state, pensioners will form the majority of the voting population and will be a force which no political party will be able to ignore. The minority working population will just have to keep us in the style to which we feel entitled.
I certainly won't be saving a penny for my old age.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
14th of September 2005 - Uniform Response
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
14th of September 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Much of the opposition to Army reform in Scotland seems to be the loss of the distinctive uniforms worn by the various Regiments.
May I offer a modest proposal? Individual soldiers should be allowed to pick and choose from the existing range of uniforms. This would not only save money, as existing supplies could continue to be used, but would give our boys a varied and interesting appearance.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
14th of September 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Much of the opposition to Army reform in Scotland seems to be the loss of the distinctive uniforms worn by the various Regiments.
May I offer a modest proposal? Individual soldiers should be allowed to pick and choose from the existing range of uniforms. This would not only save money, as existing supplies could continue to be used, but would give our boys a varied and interesting appearance.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
17th of August 2005 - Border Roads Requirements
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
17th of August 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The LibDem/Labour coalition really needs to be more consistent and focussed when it comes to its transport policies. They are making a few wasteful concessions to the Rail Transport lobby whilst continuing to grossly underfund our strategic road system.
What the Borders really needs is not a Toytown Tramway built on a Victorian Railway, but a modern four lane motorway (with the possibility of future expansion to six lane) running from the Edinburgh City Bypass via Galashiels and Hawick and joining the M74 near Carlisle. A connecting dual carriageway along the Tweed through other centres of population would also be desireable.
This would bring untold financial benefits to the Borders with all the new commuter housing, factories and even call centres which would inevitably follow as the area was finally properly linked up with the rest of the country.
NIMBY types will moan at destruction of the environment, but, as any real Borderer will tell you, the area is of no great scenic value and economic development and full employment is much more important than a few bits of greenery.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
17th of August 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The LibDem/Labour coalition really needs to be more consistent and focussed when it comes to its transport policies. They are making a few wasteful concessions to the Rail Transport lobby whilst continuing to grossly underfund our strategic road system.
What the Borders really needs is not a Toytown Tramway built on a Victorian Railway, but a modern four lane motorway (with the possibility of future expansion to six lane) running from the Edinburgh City Bypass via Galashiels and Hawick and joining the M74 near Carlisle. A connecting dual carriageway along the Tweed through other centres of population would also be desireable.
This would bring untold financial benefits to the Borders with all the new commuter housing, factories and even call centres which would inevitably follow as the area was finally properly linked up with the rest of the country.
NIMBY types will moan at destruction of the environment, but, as any real Borderer will tell you, the area is of no great scenic value and economic development and full employment is much more important than a few bits of greenery.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
11th of August 2005 - Torrent Of Racism
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
11th of August 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I am appalled at the torrent of racism directed at Muslims in this country often citing their failure to integrate into British society and to adopt our customs. Nothing could be further from the truth as a glance at the lifestyle of extremist Islamic cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed will attest.
He lives in a £200,000 council house, hasn't worked since he arrived in the UK, has seven children, gets £300 in state benefit and drives a Motability car. Our indigenous white welfare dependents have more in common with the cleric than they perhaps realise.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
11th of August 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I am appalled at the torrent of racism directed at Muslims in this country often citing their failure to integrate into British society and to adopt our customs. Nothing could be further from the truth as a glance at the lifestyle of extremist Islamic cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed will attest.
He lives in a £200,000 council house, hasn't worked since he arrived in the UK, has seven children, gets £300 in state benefit and drives a Motability car. Our indigenous white welfare dependents have more in common with the cleric than they perhaps realise.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
20th of July 2005 - Holyrood Mail
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of July 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I noticed in a recent Letter column John Hein's letter complaining about being unable to hand in items of mail for MSPs at Holyrood. I too fell foul of this last week and resorted to posting the item sans postage stamp in the nearest pillar box.
Methinks that the security people at Holyrood have an overinflated idea of their charges - I really cannot see anybody wasting valuable explosives on the bunch of nonentities who make up our Parliament. As for the building itself, judging from current reports of its condition, this will fall down unaided within ten years if left to its own devices.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
20th of July 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I noticed in a recent Letter column John Hein's letter complaining about being unable to hand in items of mail for MSPs at Holyrood. I too fell foul of this last week and resorted to posting the item sans postage stamp in the nearest pillar box.
Methinks that the security people at Holyrood have an overinflated idea of their charges - I really cannot see anybody wasting valuable explosives on the bunch of nonentities who make up our Parliament. As for the building itself, judging from current reports of its condition, this will fall down unaided within ten years if left to its own devices.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
6th of July 2005 - Parliamentary Fence
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of July 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The shiny new fence erected to protect the Scottish Parliament has greatly improved the vista of that building. Is there any chance that it could become a permanent fixture gracing our Capital after the G8 is long forgotten?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
6th of July 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The shiny new fence erected to protect the Scottish Parliament has greatly improved the vista of that building. Is there any chance that it could become a permanent fixture gracing our Capital after the G8 is long forgotten?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
11th of June 2005 - Road To The Isles
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
11th of June 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The Rt Rev Martin Shaw, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, has called for as many people to travel to the capital as possible on 6th July.
As a resident of Edinburgh, I'd much rather they went to Argyll and the Isles where the Bishop is welcome to the disruption they will cause.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
11th of June 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
The Rt Rev Martin Shaw, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, has called for as many people to travel to the capital as possible on 6th July.
As a resident of Edinburgh, I'd much rather they went to Argyll and the Isles where the Bishop is welcome to the disruption they will cause.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
3rd of March 2005 - Religious Garb
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
3rd of March 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
As an atheist, I was heartened by the success of the young Muslim girl, Shabina Begum, in her legal action against her former school for their refusal to allow her to wear the jiljab.
People of all faiths should be encouraged to wear such distinctive religious garb so that we can all easily recognise them and show them the respect they are due.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
3rd of March 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
As an atheist, I was heartened by the success of the young Muslim girl, Shabina Begum, in her legal action against her former school for their refusal to allow her to wear the jiljab.
People of all faiths should be encouraged to wear such distinctive religious garb so that we can all easily recognise them and show them the respect they are due.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
26th of February 2005 - Begging
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Congratulations to Edinburgh Councillors for their bold plans to outlaw aggressive begging in the City. Perhaps they could also give our police powers to put these characters on the last bus to Glasgow from whence so many of them seem to originally hail?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
26th of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Congratulations to Edinburgh Councillors for their bold plans to outlaw aggressive begging in the City. Perhaps they could also give our police powers to put these characters on the last bus to Glasgow from whence so many of them seem to originally hail?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
22nd of February 2005 - G8 Summit
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
22nd of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It is rapidly becoming apparent that the G8 Summit at Gleneagles is going to not only cause inconvenience to many but will also seriously affect businesses throughout Scotland.
It is time for our business community to stop all this nonsense in its tracks. A successful takeover bid for the publicly quoted company (Diageo) which owns Gleneagles Hotel could be followed by the new owners cancelling the G8 booking at Gleneagles. Much to the relief of most of us.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
22nd of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
It is rapidly becoming apparent that the G8 Summit at Gleneagles is going to not only cause inconvenience to many but will also seriously affect businesses throughout Scotland.
It is time for our business community to stop all this nonsense in its tracks. A successful takeover bid for the publicly quoted company (Diageo) which owns Gleneagles Hotel could be followed by the new owners cancelling the G8 booking at Gleneagles. Much to the relief of most of us.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
4th of February 2005 - Roof Danger
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
4th of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Edinburgh Councillors have indeed opened Pandora's Box on the issue of satellite dishes (EN 3rd Feb). Like terrestrial TV aerials or, for that matter, the council's own massive kerbside dustbins, we have to realise that they are here to stay (unsightly as they may be).
If the council really intends to alienate many TV watching voters by trying to enforce outmoded planning regulations, it will be impossible for them to avoid discriminating against ethnic minorities who rely on satellite in order to receive appropriate programming which is not available on cable. And smaller ethnic minorities often require larger dishes than normal as their programmes are not transmitted on the Astra satellites used by Sky.
If the council actually wants to do something useful on our roofs, they should be seeking the removal of all the redundant Band I/III aerials which are so precariously poised above our city. The 405 line transmissions which required these massive aerials ceased on 3rd January 1985. Since then, these large lumps of metal (many of them now nearly 50 years old) have been rotting away unobserved and, as time goes by, are increasingly a danger to people below.
Every time there is a strong wind, I see more bits in the street and somebody is going to get injured or killed if something isn't done.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
4th of February 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Edinburgh Councillors have indeed opened Pandora's Box on the issue of satellite dishes (EN 3rd Feb). Like terrestrial TV aerials or, for that matter, the council's own massive kerbside dustbins, we have to realise that they are here to stay (unsightly as they may be).
If the council really intends to alienate many TV watching voters by trying to enforce outmoded planning regulations, it will be impossible for them to avoid discriminating against ethnic minorities who rely on satellite in order to receive appropriate programming which is not available on cable. And smaller ethnic minorities often require larger dishes than normal as their programmes are not transmitted on the Astra satellites used by Sky.
If the council actually wants to do something useful on our roofs, they should be seeking the removal of all the redundant Band I/III aerials which are so precariously poised above our city. The 405 line transmissions which required these massive aerials ceased on 3rd January 1985. Since then, these large lumps of metal (many of them now nearly 50 years old) have been rotting away unobserved and, as time goes by, are increasingly a danger to people below.
Every time there is a strong wind, I see more bits in the street and somebody is going to get injured or killed if something isn't done.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
23rd of January 2005 - Parents To Blame
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
23rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I feel I must reply to Elain Wilson (Letters, January 8) and her assertion that I have "a problem with children".
Children are rarely a problem: it's the parents who are almost always to blame.
Ms Wilson doesn't seem to understand the simple financial equation which means that free bus rides have to be paid for either by subsidy from the public purse or by higher fares.
And she regards words such as "brood" and "offspring" to be sneering.
I can only hope that Ms Wilson's bias against numeracy and literacy do not blight the lives of her children.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
23rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I feel I must reply to Elain Wilson (Letters, January 8) and her assertion that I have "a problem with children".
Children are rarely a problem: it's the parents who are almost always to blame.
Ms Wilson doesn't seem to understand the simple financial equation which means that free bus rides have to be paid for either by subsidy from the public purse or by higher fares.
And she regards words such as "brood" and "offspring" to be sneering.
I can only hope that Ms Wilson's bias against numeracy and literacy do not blight the lives of her children.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
23rd of January 2005 - Schools Crisis
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
23rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Alan Clayton complains of a "crisis in our schools" and illustrates this with the spirited reaction of one of his pupils to his attempt to get her to remove her anorak.
Perhaps the crisis in our schools is as a result of little Hitlers like him and their morbid attachment to petty school rules which result in youngsters making the mistake of thinking that all teachers are like him and consequently showing no respect for any of his colleagues.
Perhaps, if Mr Clayton and his ilk actually taught what they were paid to teach and stopped playing the martinet for the sake of it, schools would provide a happier educational experience for all concerned.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
23rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Alan Clayton complains of a "crisis in our schools" and illustrates this with the spirited reaction of one of his pupils to his attempt to get her to remove her anorak.
Perhaps the crisis in our schools is as a result of little Hitlers like him and their morbid attachment to petty school rules which result in youngsters making the mistake of thinking that all teachers are like him and consequently showing no respect for any of his colleagues.
Perhaps, if Mr Clayton and his ilk actually taught what they were paid to teach and stopped playing the martinet for the sake of it, schools would provide a happier educational experience for all concerned.
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
3rd of January 2005 - On The Buses
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
3rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I note Elaine Wilson's whinge in today's Evening News at being asked by Lothian Buses to pay for the carriage of one of her three offspring whilst the other two travel free of charge.
She doesn't seem to care about any disabled passengers unable to be accommodated due to their space being cluttered by her and her brood. They don't have a choice about their disability whilst Ms Wilson seems to have entered willingly into parenthood.
It is Ms Wilson's irresponsible fecundity which is at fault, not the policy of the publicly owned transport operator. Why should the rest of us have to be inconvenienced by (and ultimately pay for in higher fares) her selfish lifechoice (or lack of self control)?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
3rd of January 2005
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I note Elaine Wilson's whinge in today's Evening News at being asked by Lothian Buses to pay for the carriage of one of her three offspring whilst the other two travel free of charge.
She doesn't seem to care about any disabled passengers unable to be accommodated due to their space being cluttered by her and her brood. They don't have a choice about their disability whilst Ms Wilson seems to have entered willingly into parenthood.
It is Ms Wilson's irresponsible fecundity which is at fault, not the policy of the publicly owned transport operator. Why should the rest of us have to be inconvenienced by (and ultimately pay for in higher fares) her selfish lifechoice (or lack of self control)?
Sincerely,
John Eoin Douglas
8th of November 2004 - Whinging Soldiers
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of November 2004
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Government plans to curtail the Black Watch and other Scottish regiments is quite understandable in the light of the whinging by soldiers and their relatives over current postings to Iraq.
Soldiers should do what they're paid to do and relatives, if they really cared that much about their sons and lovers, would have done better to have disuaded them from taking the Queen's shilling in the first place.
With the 9th of November ever in our minds, it is incumbent upon us to support those of our truly brave and professional soldiers who just get on with their difficult task and don't complain about the decisions of our elected leaders.
Sincerely,
John E Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
8th of November 2004
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Government plans to curtail the Black Watch and other Scottish regiments is quite understandable in the light of the whinging by soldiers and their relatives over current postings to Iraq.
Soldiers should do what they're paid to do and relatives, if they really cared that much about their sons and lovers, would have done better to have disuaded them from taking the Queen's shilling in the first place.
With the 9th of November ever in our minds, it is incumbent upon us to support those of our truly brave and professional soldiers who just get on with their difficult task and don't complain about the decisions of our elected leaders.
Sincerely,
John E Douglas
18th of March 2003 - Iraq
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
18th of March 2003
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir,
As a Conservative, I am appalled at the current supine attitude of Ian Duncan Smith over the Iraq situation. Instead of meekly supporting Blair and Bush, he should be wholeheartedly opposing British participation in this ludicrous enterprise.
To participate in a war will benefit only the USA whilst bringing opprobrium upon us from Islamic countries and making us the target of terrorist attacks. It will cost taxpayers billions of pounds in direct expenditure not to mention the damage done to share prices and our economy. In terms of the UK's self interest, there is absolutely nothing in it for us.
Even if I could believe that this is a humanitarian enterprise to free Iraq from tyranny (a tyranny which we in the West financed and supported when it suited us), the life of one Iraqi child is not worth the death of a British soldier, or a penny on our taxes.
Not in our name? Not at our expense!
Sincerely,
John E Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@hotmail.com
18th of March 2003
FOR PUBLICATION:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir,
As a Conservative, I am appalled at the current supine attitude of Ian Duncan Smith over the Iraq situation. Instead of meekly supporting Blair and Bush, he should be wholeheartedly opposing British participation in this ludicrous enterprise.
To participate in a war will benefit only the USA whilst bringing opprobrium upon us from Islamic countries and making us the target of terrorist attacks. It will cost taxpayers billions of pounds in direct expenditure not to mention the damage done to share prices and our economy. In terms of the UK's self interest, there is absolutely nothing in it for us.
Even if I could believe that this is a humanitarian enterprise to free Iraq from tyranny (a tyranny which we in the West financed and supported when it suited us), the life of one Iraqi child is not worth the death of a British soldier, or a penny on our taxes.
Not in our name? Not at our expense!
Sincerely,
John E Douglas
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